Texas to examine high natural gas prices

The Texas Railroad Commission voted 3-0 Tuesday to study high natural gas prices and their impact on state consumers. They plan to invite participants from the production sector, transportation, storage, marketing, and distribution firms, and regulators and consumers to a conference to discuss the issues.

Feb. 6, 2001

By the OGJ Online Staff

HOUSTON, Feb. 6�The Texas Railroad Commission, based in Austin, Tex., voted 3-0 Tuesday to study high natural gas prices and their impact on state consumers.

The agency, which regulates the Texas oil and gas industry, plans to hold a conference on the subject.

Commissioner Charles Matthews proposed the meeting. He said, "The conference would give the railroad commission the opportunity to gather information, from the producer to the consumer, to help develop policy and recommendations to the legislature this session ... for decisions on energy issues, especially natural gas."

Several legislators had urged the commission to hold the gas conference.

Matthews said the meeting would invite participants from the exploration and production sector, service and supply industry, gathering and transportation, storage, marketing, local distribution companies, regulators, and consumers.

Commissioner Tony Garza supported the concept, but said the scope "might be too broad and should be focused on areas where the railroad commission could take action and best offer realistic solutions.

"We simply can't get bogged down just talking about natural gas issues. The commission needs to propose real solutions that lead to real results," Garza said.

Commission chairman Michael Williams will set a date for the conference.